The Chairman of the Association of Professional Retired Nurses and Midwives of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola in his Chairman’s address at the just celebrated 2023 Christmas and End of the Year event which was held at the Asiwaju Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House Oke Àrèmo Yemetu Ibadan on the 28th December, 2023 appealed to all Nigerians to welcome the new year with love, peace and positive energy.
He encourage the members of the association to live in the fantasy world of the children -a world where everything was just simple and beautiful. A life that knew no negativity, a lifetime where we believed in Santa and the good tidings of Christmas, a world of peace, the world of children.
“It is again, that time of the year when everyone old and young, rich and poor, elite and not, healthy and not so healthy; despite their numerous challenges spare a few moments/ days to reflect on the goodness of God in their lives and remember to be thankful despite all their odds.”
“This is one magical time of the year when people, no matter the hardships and difficult hand life have dealt with them, still look up to the heavens, smile and say ‘aaye ope yo’.”
“A day to spread cheer and positive vibes only; hopefully with enough positive energy to charge us all into the new approaching year and perhaps, keep us powered throughout 2024.”
He continued, “Let me say importantly, that I consider it a big honor to stand before you today, as your friend, your Chairman , and brother in faith, to celebrate this jolly season”.
“Obviously, we no longer live in the fantasy world we all did as children- where everything was just simple and beautiful. A life that knew no negativity, a lifetime where we believed in Santa and the good tidings of Christmas”.
“Permit me to plead with you however, that once in a while, recline into this world of fantasy, a world of peace, the world of children.
There are many things that should prevent us from being thankful or even happy in this season…se ti economy ni k’a wi, abi Owó ti ko si ni banki?”
“However, despite the full understanding of all the problems that surround us, we also need to be conscious of the things we cannot change, and how that affects our mental health which is key at this point in life”.
So, live as a child every once in a while.
“What does it take to live as a child? Be carefree sometimes, see the good in everything sometimes, laugh, smile for no reason, spread cheer for no reason…LOVE even when there is no reason to do so.”
“May I point out again, as I have done severally, that love should transcend all, inclusive of religion…and it is for the love of love, that we put aside all differences today, to come together under one roof and jolly together.”
“It is my utmost wish that if there be dispute amongst us or in the hearts of anyone here, let us remember love this day, and let go of any grudges.”
“May I use this great opportunity, being my first official engagement as your newly elected Chairman to commend you all for your believing and trusting in my executive and for supporting each and every activities of this administration. We solicit for your continuous support aimed at fostering a formidable association and delivering on all our promises. We will not disappoint you.”
He eulogised the Chairman of the occasion , an Emeritus Professor Mrs Funmilayo Ojo, a Professor of Nursing and Dean of Faculty at the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti whom he described as a great mother and beacon of light for nurses in Nigeria and beyond.
Balogun Ojetola commended the Special Guest of Honour of the ocassion who is also the President General Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes Chief, Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole whom God has used to resuscitate the long abandoned New Olubadan Palace project which is near completion , a great achievement made within six months of assuming office. He said to Ajewole, “Ile Ibadan ko ni gbagbe Re laelae”.
Balogun Ojetola eulogised the Chairman, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State who was represented at the ocassion by the Director of Research, Statistics and Training, Mrs Adebowale and the BCOS technical crews for the coverage and television reporting.
The ministration and exhortation at the event was conducted by Venerable Oyewusi, Archdeacon, LUKAN ARCHDEACONERY, Ibadan South Diocess after the first Bible reading was taken by Pastor Gabriel Kola Ajeigbe.
The Oyo State Director of Nursing Services, Dr. Mrs Oyebode commended the association while delivering her goodwill message. The DNS urged the government to expedite actions on clamping down on quack nurses being trained by some unscrupulous doctors and nurses. She submitted that quack nurses have claimed many lives and will continue to cause damages to the ignorant population.
Dr. Mrs Gbonjubola Owolabi , the Provost Oyo State College of Nursing , Eleyele supported the DNS in the campaign against auxiliary nursing in the state and in Nigeria generally. She condemned medical doctors and some unscrupulous professional nurses who engaged themselves in training quack nurses. She challenged the practice as illegal, unprofessional and detrimental to the wellness of the entire population.
President General Ajeniyi Ajewole in his goodwill message felicitates with the association for the beautiful End of the Year Celebration which was jointly celebrated by both Muslim and Christian members. He expressed satisfaction on the conduct of the program giving credit to Balogun Ojetola whom he appraised very highly of immense capacity. He congratulated the association for having Balogun Gaphar Ojetola as their Chairman who at the same time is the Chairman , 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee and the National President of the Ibadan Grammar School Old Students Association world wide. He prayed that Allah will continue to empower Ojetola in all his huge assignments.
Other numerous dignitaries at the event took turns in delivering their good will messages.
The ceremony experienced a Christmas Bonanza where cash gifts, packs of rice and detergents were won by more than two hundred participants. All the kind donors were highly appreciated for making this first of its kind event in the history of the association an unprecedented success which credit was duly given to the highly dedicated and hardworking members of the planning committee members.
The 2023 Christmas and End of the Year Celebration Planning Committee members are Mrs Olufunke Janet Fatunmbi who is the Chairman Planning Committee and the association Secretary General, Chief Mrs Bolanle Ajuwon, the association Social Secretary, Mrs Sarah Adisa, the Welfare Secretary, Chief Oyedeji Akintunde, Evangelist Mrs Kayode, Mrs Funke Ladapo, Mrs Florence Baba, Chief Mrs Okediran who is also the association Vice Chairman and Balogun Gaphar Ojetola.
Apex Nurses from the Adeoyo Maternity and Specialist Hospital, Ring Road State Hospital and Jericho Hospitals were at the occasion and donated generously. All the Executive members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and members of staff of Ibadan Grammar School participated actively at this ocassion.
Bola Sunshine and her musical group was on stage with praise and worship music throughout the program while members, friends and families danced to their satisfaction. The event was covered freely by the crews from the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State , courtesy of the corporation Chairman while photography was covered by Mrs Mary Olufunke Akinade. Mrs Margaret Olubunmi Akinsola was the Director of Programs at this occasion.
Wishing all the donors and members generally abundant blessings and compliments of the season.